On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation requiring companies to pay a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa sponsorship. This change aims to ensure that only highly skilled workers are brought into the U.S. The proclamation also introduces a 'gold card' visa for individuals who can afford a $1 million fee for permanent residency. Critics warn that the high fees could disproportionately affect smaller tech firms and startups, potentially driving innovation abroad. The H-1B program, established in 1990, allows for 85,000 visas annually, but the new fees may deter companies from sponsoring foreign talent. Analysts suggest that this could weaken the U.S.'s position in the global tech race, particularly against China. Legal experts have raised concerns about the authority to impose such fees, as Congress has only authorized fees to cover application costs. The move reflects a broader trend of tightening immigration policies under the Trump administration.